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Array Formulas: Introduction to array formulas, SUMPRODUCT, TRANSPOSE, MMULT
In this blog post, we will learn about array formulas in Excel and how they can help us perform complex calculations with ease. Array formulas are formulas that operate on multiple values or ranges of cells at once. They can return a single value or multiple values in an array.
One of the most common uses of array formulas is to calculate the sum of products of two or more arrays. For example, if we have two arrays of numbers A1:A5 and B1:B5, and we want to calculate the sum of A1*B1 + A2*B2 + ... + A5*B5, we can use the SUMPRODUCT function as an array formula:
=SUMPRODUCT(A1:A5,B1:B5)
This formula returns the sum of products of the corresponding elements in the two arrays. We can also use other arithmetic operators such as +,-,/,* in array formulas.
Another useful function for working with arrays is TRANSPOSE. This function allows us to switch the rows and columns of an array. For example, if we have an array of numbers A1:C3 and we want to transpose it, we can use the TRANSPOSE function as an array formula:
=TRANSPOSE(A1:C3)
This formula returns a new array that has 3 rows and 2 columns instead of 2 rows and 3 columns.
A more advanced function for working with arrays is MMULT. This function allows us to multiply two matrices (arrays) together. For example, if we have two matrices A1:B2 and C1:D2 and we want to multiply them together, we can use the MMULT function as an array formula:
=MMULT(A1:B2,C1:D2)
This formula returns a new matrix that has 2 rows and 2 columns. The elements in the new matrix are calculated by multiplying each row in the first matrix by each column in the second matrix.
To enter an array formula in Excel, we need to press Ctrl+Shift+Enter instead of just Enter. This tells Excel that we are entering an array formula and not a regular formula. We will see curly braces {} around our formula in the formula bar when it is entered as an array formula.
Conclusion
Array formulas are powerful tools for performing complex calculations with multiple values or ranges of cells at once. They can return a single value or multiple values in an array. Some common functions for working with arrays are SUMPRODUCT, TRANSPOSE and MMULT. To enter an array formula in Excel, we need to press Ctrl+Shift+Enter instead of just Enter.
FAQs
Q: How do I edit an array formula?
A: To edit an array formula, you need to select all the cells that contain the array formula (including any empty cells), then edit it in the formula bar and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter again.
Q: How do I delete an array formula?
A: To delete an array formula, you need to select all the cells that contain the array formula (including any empty cells), then press Delete.
Q: How do I copy or move an array formula?
A: To copy or move an array formula, you need to select all the cells that contain the
array formula (including any empty cells), then copy or cut them using Ctrl+C or Ctrl+X,
then paste them using Ctrl+V or drag them using your mouse.
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